Step-Brother Dearest by Penelope Ward: Review by Lys

"You're the only girl the entire world that's forbidden and fuck me, if that doesn't make me want you more than anything." ~ Elec

I just finished this book and I am here to tell you that I am in love with Penelope Ward! This was my first book by this author and I have to admit that I was blown away. After reading the synopsis, I was like...I have to read this! The cover was H.O.T, the premise was taboo, and an offer to read an ARC? No brainer! I can not tell you how much I loved this story! When I first started it, I was thinking ...Damn, this book is HOT! Just into the first chapter and I thought it was going to be a quick and easy, sexy read. Boy was I wrong. It was so much more than I had anticipated!

When Greta was just 17 years old, her mother remarried a man who had an estranged relationship with his troubled son. When his son's mother was unable to care for him, Elec moved from California to live with his father. Greta was excited to meet her new Step-brother as she was an only child and was looking forward to enjoying the companionship that siblings share. Little did Greta know, that her body would react to this boy like no sister should ever react to her brother.

"There was no way I wanted to be his sister. For one, when he turned to me, he looked like he wanted to kill me. And two, once I got my first look at his chiseled face, it became abundantly clear that while my mind was wary of him, my body had been instantly put under a spell, one I would have given anything to come out from under" ~Greta

 While struggling with his relationship with his father, Elec tries to deny his attraction to Greta by replacing his desire with the need to antagonize her. Elec does every thing he can to convince both himself and Greta that are not meant to be together. After several very intense scenes that are filled with off the charts sexual angst, Elec finally comes to terms with what is undeniable between him and Greta.  

"I never had a problem with the way you look at me. My issue is the way it makes me feel when you look at me: things I'm not supposed to feel for you." ~Elec  

When Elec get's a call demanding that he returns to California immediately, Elec and Greta give in to their desire and a night of unbridled passion knowing that due to familial ties, they could never be together and that this night would not only be their first, but also their last. Left heart broken and alone, Greta struggles from the loss of the only boy she ever loved. 

Seven years later, tragedy will once again bring them together. This time, Elec is not alone and Greta has never had a bigger heartbreak to over come.

 "You were the best that ever happened to me. I hope someday I can say you were one of the best, but for now, it's only you." ~Greta

This was a well written, angsty, emotional storyline that I truly enjoyed reading. Elec was intense, sexy, and came up with some great one liners while Greta was a girl who fell in love at first sight. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good second chance romance. 

~Lys